Stefani from the Cupcake Project shares practical tips for baking the perfect cupcake. Learn how to keep cupcakes moist, avoid over-mixing batter, and tell when cupcakes are done.
On this episode I speak with Stefani of the Cupcake Project about everything cupcakes. Stefani explains how to bake consistently moist cupcakes, how to avoid overworking the batter, and simple tests to know when cupcakes are perfectly baked.
Stefani launched the Cupcake Project in 2007 to document her quest to master the cupcake in time to bake hundreds for a friend’s wedding. Her recipes and writing have since appeared in national outlets and many online publications. She contributes to food magazines and curates outstanding desserts on her Instagram feed, where she has a large following.
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How to Make a Perfect Cupcake
How to Make Moist Cupcakes
Stefani recommends combining butter and oil in cupcake recipes. Butter adds flavor while a little oil keeps the crumb tender and moist. Using both gives a balanced texture and rich taste without becoming greasy.
How much to mix?
Over-mixing becomes a concern after you add the flour. Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry streaks. Folding gently keeps the batter light; mixing too long develops gluten and yields dense cupcakes.
How to fill your liners?
An ice cream scoop is an easy, consistent tool for portioning batter into liners. If you’re unsure how full to make them, bake a single test cupcake at half-fill to see how much rise to expect before baking the whole batch.
How do you know when your cupcakes are done?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center—if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are done. The tops should feel springy and bounce back gently when touched. Avoid opening the oven repeatedly early in the bake, as that can cause uneven rise.
What to do when your cupcakes come out of the oven?
Remove cupcakes from the tin immediately and place them on a wire cooling rack. This stops residual heat in the pan from continuing to cook the cupcakes and helps them cool evenly so frosting adheres properly.
How to store your cupcakes?
Storage depends on the frosting. Cupcakes with buttercream or cream cheese frosting can sit in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, then should be refrigerated. In very hot weather, refrigerate sooner to prevent spoilage or melting. Whipped cream frostings require immediate refrigeration.
TIME STAMP
4:02 – How to make moist cupcakes
5:00 – How much to mix
6:10 – How to fill your liners
7:10 – How much to fill your liners
8:55 – How to know when cupcakes are done
10:10 – What to do when cupcakes come out of the oven
11:00 – How to store your cupcakes
WHERE TO FIND STEFANI
WEBSITE
Mentioned Links:
Vanilla Cupcake
Sweet Potato Casserole Cupcake
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